The story of Ongeziwe Poni, a 20-year-old woman from Khayelitsha, in Cape Town, is one that has sparked outrage and a demand for justice. On the evening of 30 March 2025, Ongeziwe’s life took a terrifying turn as she walked home. It was around 9 pm when she encountered a man named Siyabonga Zono near her residence.
What began as a simple encounter quickly escalated into a nightmare. According to reports, Zono initially asked Ongeziwe to look at him. When she refused, he allegedly displayed a knife, a gesture that forced her compliance. He then allegedly searched her and demanded her cellphone. When she said that she didn’t have it, he forced her to walk with him. The two arrived at an informal settlement where he pushed her into an outdoor toilet.
Over the next several hours, Ongeziwe was allegedly held against her will, enduring a series of harrowing experiences.
Ongeziwe said the accused told her to take her clothes off and then he had forced tlof tlof with her multiple times. She further said he threatened to kill her if she made any noise and showed her several knives to prove that he meant his words. Ongeziwe Poni said she left her undergarment and jersey behind in the toilet, hoping they would serve as evidence.
The young female boxer was then taken to a nearby field, close to a train line. She said Zono laid down a jacket and told her to lie on it. She said he then covered her face with the beanie that she was wearing and had more forced unprotected encounters with her.
The ordeal continued as Zono allegedly took her to a friend’s shack, but when he couldn’t get in, they went to another shack where he allegedly kept her overnight. She was kept there for hours where she was violated throughout the night.
The 20-year-old woman said her aggressor continued to violate her throughout the night. In between, she said, he would smoke a pill mixed with a cigarette. She reportedly tried to fight him off, but she was scared he would overpower her.
The next morning, just before 9 am, Zono reportedly told Ongeziwe that he would arrange a taxi for her. As they walked, he directed her toward nearby bushes, raising her fears that he intended to cause her further harm. However, Ongeziwe’s ordeal came to an end when she saw her aunt and was able to explain what had happened. By that time, Zono had fled.
Ongeziwe’s brother was able to identify Zono, leading to his arrest on 14 April 2025, thanks to the help of community members. Following his arrest, Zono applied for bail, but the court proceedings faced delays. A judgment on his bail application was postponed when the investigating officer failed to attend court and was unable to confirm several key details.
Lumkile Sizila, the founder of Amadoda Aqotho, an organization, voiced frustration at the delays, highlighting the community’s concern that justice was being delayed. Sizila also expressed disappointment that the investigating officer hadn’t been present in court and hadn’t visited the locations Ongeziwe mentioned. A petition opposing bail gathered over 1,800 signatures, reflecting the community’s strong feelings about the case.
Zono’s next court appearance was scheduled for 5 June 2025.
Before the tragic incident, Ongeziwe was a vibrant and active member of her community. She is a 20-year-old female boxer from Kuyasa, in Khayelitsha. The incident occurred as she was returning home from her grandmother’s house after participating in a boxing tournament.
In the wake of the incident, Ongeziwe has found strength in the support of her community and the Grassroots Youth Sports Academy. She has spoken out about her experience, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and ensuring the safety of other women.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
